TRS Mentor in Lufkin, Texas at Goodwill Industries Of Central East Texas Inc

TRS Mentor – Early Childhood Quality Coach

Full-Time | Exempt | Travel Required

Serving Central East Texas (12-county region)

About Us (More Than a Thrift Store)

You know Goodwill, but maybe not like this.

Goodwill of Central East Texas (GCET) has been advocating for the Power of Work since 1988. Every donation supports local programs that help people overcome barriers to employment and thrive in our communities. In fact, 87¢ of every dollar we earn stays right here in Central East Texas supporting workforce and community services—including high-quality child care.

About the Role (Why This Job Matters)

As a Texas Rising Star (TRS) Mentor, you’ll be on the front lines of improving early childhood education across our region. You’ll coach, mentor, and support childcare providers as they work toward earning, or advancing their Texas Rising Star certification.

If you love working with educators, sharing best practices, building relationships, and helping programs grow stronger, this role is your sweet spot.

What You’ll Be Doing

No two days are the same, but your impact is always clear. You’ll:

• Recruit and support childcare providers seeking Texas Rising Star certification
• Mentor and assess childcare programs using best practices in early childhood education
• Help providers maintain or increase their TRS certification level
• Provide training on TRS standards and Texas Child Care Licensing requirements
• Conduct on-site visits for outreach, mentoring, observations, and assessments
• Create individualized improvement plans with clear goals and timelines
• Deliver required mentoring hours until certification milestones are achieved
• Review provider and client files to ensure contractual and regulatory compliance
• Assist with reports, documentation, and program evaluation
• Collaborate with Workforce Board staff, community partners, and child care contractors
• Represent Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas professionally in the community
• Attend required provider meetings when assigned to your service area
• Pitch in on special projects and other duties as needed

Awesome Benefits

• Health, dental & vision insurance
• Paid time off to rest and recharge
• Employee discounts on amazing finds
• Paid training & career advancement
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Supportive and inclusive team culture
• Free Telehealth
• Weekly pay

Where You’ll Work

• A mix of office work and on-site visits at childcare centers and homes
• Frequent travel throughout the 12-county Central East Texas region

What We’re Looking For

You’re a great fit if you bring:

Required

• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and insurance
• At least 1 year of full-time early childhood classroom experience
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Comfort working with diverse populations and community partners

Education (one of the following):

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Special Education, Psychology, Elementary Education, or related field

OR

• Bachelor’s degree with 18+ credit hours in related fields (including 12 in child development)

OR

• Associate degree in a related field plus 2 years of experience as an early childhood program director

(Experience with TRS or accredited programs is a plus!)

Physical & Travel Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs (team assistance available)
• Regular standing, walking, sitting, and driving
• Ability to travel frequently within the service region

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Mission-driven work that directly improves early childhood quality
• A role built on coaching, collaboration, and community impact
• Professional growth beyond the classroom
• Supportive team culture grounded in purpose and service

Equal Opportunity Employer

Goodwill of Central East Texas is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all.